Best Cities for Young Professionals in Idaho
Idaho ranks #2 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 77.2. Eagle is its best city for young professionals at 65.6.
- Idaho, all states
- #2 of 50
- Population
- 32,855
Why Idaho Works for Young Professionals
Idaho ranks #2 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 51/100, with 3.7% unemployment and a median household income of $81,166. Population growth of 1.44% signals that people — and employers — are actively choosing Idaho.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 95.5, expenses are near the national norm — what you earn is roughly what you keep. The growth score of 73/100 — driven by population gains and migration patterns — suggests expanding opportunity.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Idaho's livability score of 40/100 is modest, which may matter to young professionals who value nightlife, dining, and cultural events. Transportation infrastructure scores well (56/100), with options beyond car dependency.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Eagle | B+ | 65.6 | 62.6 | 77 | 79 | 42 | 32,855 |
| 2Meridian | A | 64.6 | 64.7 | 70 | 69 | 43 | 130,138 |
| 3Kuna | B+ | 62.7 | 59.9 | 65 | 93 | 35 | 27,158 |
| 4Caldwell | B | 61.7 | 57.3 | 51 | 88 | 56 | 66,516 |
| 5Star | B+ | 61.5 | 60.5 | 55 | 100 | 30 | 14,745 |
| 6Boise City | A | 61.2 | 64.4 | 61 | 47 | 66 | 237,242 |
| 7Idaho Falls | B+ | 61.1 | 59.0 | 56 | 76 | 39 | 67,725 |
| 8Nampa | B | 59.2 | 58.6 | 55 | 67 | 50 | 110,319 |
| 9Moscow | B+ | 57.8 | 60.3 | 51 | 48 | 38 | 26,286 |
| 10Coeur d'Alene | B+ | 56.7 | 59.9 | 50 | 55 | 46 | 56,447 |
| 11Post Falls | B | 56.3 | 58.0 | 51 | 58 | 43 | 43,391 |
| 12Twin Falls | B | 56.0 | 56.3 | 50 | 55 | 44 | 54,164 |
| 13Rexburg | C+ | 55.0 | 54.9 | 43 | 42 | 40 | 40,543 |
| 14Lewiston | B | 54.9 | 58.3 | 54 | 43 | 37 | 34,651 |
| 15Chubbuck | B | 54.1 | 56.3 | 42 | 49 | 35 | 16,126 |
| 16Pocatello | C+ | 54.0 | 55.1 | 46 | 44 | 40 | 57,635 |
| 17Hayden | B | 53.1 | 55.9 | 42 | 64 | 36 | 16,338 |
| 18Jerome | C | 48.7 | 50.4 | 28 | 43 | 45 | 12,930 |
| 19Ammon | C | 48.5 | 52.2 | 45 | 29 | 41 | 19,064 |
| 20Mountain Home | D | 45.2 | 48.0 | 25 | 29 | 43 | 16,493 |
City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Idaho for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho a good state for young professionals?
Idaho ranks #2 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 77.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (87/100) and its weakest is Livability (40/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Idaho?
Eagle ranks #1 in Idaho for young professionals with a score of 65.6/100, followed by Meridian and Kuna.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Idaho?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.